My Position Made Me Target of Envy,Intimidation — Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu

Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu celebrating his 13 years coronation as Ezeoba

President of the Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Re-orientation and the Supreme Head of Obu-Ezumezu of Igbo, Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu has opened up about some troubling issues affecting social coexistence in his community, the Nri Kingdom.

He explained that the seat of Ezeoba which he occupies has been a constant target of jealousy and intimidation, subjecting him to several denials of his rightful entitlements.

Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu, speaking with journalists at his country home in Nri, said he decided to open up about the issues that have been bothering him, especially as he recently celebrated thirteen years of occupying the seat of Ezeoba Gburugburu. He was coronated on November 7, 2012, at Convent Primary School, Nri.

According to him, his chieftaincy title was perfected by the Isi Adama, the Chairman of the Oba Society of Ikenga Nri, Chief S. O. Mbanefo.

He reiterated that the seat of traditional supremacy which he occupies has become a source of jealousy and intimidation, thereby subjecting him to the denial of certain entitlements.

Narrating how it all began, Dr. Okoye-Asuzu recalled that it started when he returned from abroad in 1993. He noted that he had no interest in the chieftaincy matters of Nri town and only desired to live a quiet life.

However, he explained that his father had told him much about their traditions, which he initially considered fetish. Over time, however, he discovered their authenticity, especially as he was formerly an evangelist.

He further narrated:

“Later, one of my father’s elder brothers told me that in Nri town, a person would neither be recognized nor have their opinions respected without holding a chieftaincy title. Realizing the importance of being recognized as a traditional titleholder, I decided to begin the Nze na Ozo title process.

“Initially, I disliked the conduct of some red-cap chiefs because of their dishonesty and questionable characters. It was only through the encouragement and conviction of my father’s elder brother, Chief Gaius Okeke, that I decided to acquire the chieftaincy title.

“Later, another group of elders, led by Chief S. O. Mbanefo (Oba Adama), visited my house along with other Obas. They explained the need for me to be initiated into the Obaship title, citing the dwindling number of Obas in our part of Nri town, where we have Ogwemmuo Agukwu and Ogwemmuo Akamkpisi.

“In my quest to understand the significance of the Obaship, I learned that to be crowned Ezeoba was to demonstrate affluence, particularly as a great farmer with large yam barns. Eventually, I was initiated as one of the Oba titleholders in Nri town.

“A year later, the same group of elders returned, expressing their appreciation for my goodwill and urging me to take up the higher title of Ezeoba na Nri. They explained that the only existing Ezeoba then was Chief Atuanya, who was second to the late Eze Tabansi Udene Nrijiofor, and both had passed away. Hence, there was no other Ezeoba at the time. I agreed and began preparations for my initiation.

“Before proceeding, I consulted the two parallel kings in Nri — the King of Ikenga Nri, Igwe Peter Ogbummuo, and the King of Agukwu Nri, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh — to understand the significance of the Ezeoba title. They explained that no one could be considered a true king in Nri town without taking the Ezeoba title. The late Eze Onyesoh advised me to go ahead if I could afford the necessary rites and requirements.

“I performed all the rites and invited the entire cabinet members of both Eze Onyesoh and Igwe Peter Ogbummuo. In appreciation, I presented each of them with a ram. At the end of the ceremony, Eze Onyesoh declared that since I had attained the apex title in Nri Kingdom, apart from the Eze Nri himself, my eagle feathers would henceforth be seven, while his would be eight — as the distinction of the reigning king.

“He further instructed me to bring one of my royal chairs to his palace to be kept there as a symbol of my office. I swear by my oath that this account is true. However, Eze Onyesoh warned that my chair must not be more elegant than his, given the variety of ornate chairs I possessed.“Afterward, I celebrated my Ezeoba coronation, which was attended by numerous dignitaries and members of the Nri community.”